Who is THE best (kettlebell) coach in the world?
Before we decide if we should start naming names here…let’s look at what actually makes a GOOD coach.
- Is it someone who is so bloody awesome with the tools of choice, that they can kick EVERYBODY’s ass?
- hmmm… maybe they should rather just compete.
- a coach should never compete with their students.
- if you can & do beat all your students, then you suck as a coach. Maybe share the secrets and help them improve.
- Is it someone who has produced champion after champion after champion?
- hmmm… well, if the champions are all natural ability, or drug mutated lunatics, then pretty much ANY idiot/coach could have got them up there.
- if this is your criterion, you’ll be in a very long queue alongside lots of other crazy lunatics.
- in this case, best you have a substantial budget.
- Is it someone who pushes there students REALLY, REALLY hard to reach their maximum potential and break all the records at all costs?
- hmmm… what if you push the students so hard that they break? not records…but themselves?
- On the flip side, what if they are soooo careful with the students, that they never really get anywhere?
A good coach… (in my humble opinion) does things like this…
- They actually CARE about your well-being.
- They will set realistic and achievable targets & timelines for you.
- We all want to be #1, but for MOST of us…never gonna happen. Stay away from the mutants (unless you are one).
- Aspirations are awesome, but do you really think you’re good enough to hop in the ring with Tyson? or sprint with Bolt?
- They will pull you, rather than push you.
- There’s that saying about leading from the front. Is it even possible to “lead from the back”?
- They don’t keep secrets – they share the information that you need with you.
- They don’t mind being wrong – if you have a better idea, they’ll use it.
- They are also students – they don’t let their ego get in the way of your progress
- They learn from YOU, as much as you do from them.
- They don’t mind/care/worry if you are better than they are
- (in fact, it should make them happy).
- They are patient.
- It’s about YOUR progress…not THEIR glory.
- They KNOW that you have off days, and they forgive you (sometimes…mostly).
- They will tell you if you’re doing something wrong…over…and over…and over…..and over.
- Sometimes, you will hate them for it. Luckily, they won’t hate you back.
- They want you to succeed.
- That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be THE champion of the universe – probably just better than yesterday.
- They will go (literally) to the ends of the earth for you
- They will find out the things YOU need to get better, often at great personal expense.
- They’ll study, and learn, and search, so that you don’t have to.
- They’re creative
- Not everyone grasps the textbook (if we all did, then nobody would need a coach, just a textbook).
- They will find another way, even if you suck at something.
- They’ll stop you
- Sometimes, you’re an idiot. Don’t get greedy! There’s always tomorrow.
- An injury today, cancels training tomorrow (& possibly beyond).
- Injuries are FOREVER. You might get back to 99.9% if you’re extremely lucky – but never 100%. EVER.
- (I say this with respect and good intent) A crippled ex-champion is probably more cripple than champion.
- They kinda know when it’s enough.
- They don’t need the glory of YOUR results
- Who cares how many medals their student got? Maybe the students were the brilliant ones.
- They are happy for your progress, rather than for their resumé.
- They aren’t just a drill sergeant
- If you wanted one, you’d have just joined the army.
- If they just wanted to be one, they should’ve just joined the army.
So…who is the best coach then?
The one you choose – that’s why you chose them. They suit you just fine.
Lastly, your friends…are your friends. They are NOT your coach. When they tell you how amazing you are, they’re just being nice.